Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Gateron Smoothie offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that appeals to users seeking a precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made of POM material, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch that creates a buttery and creamy typing experience. While the Pine switch excels in sharp tactility, the Smoothie switch stands out for its smooth and low-pitched keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. The combination of these two housing materials results in a switch that provides a unique and satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM top housing creates a pleasing and deep sound profile that is relatively muted, while the POM bottom housing contributes to the overall sound experience by providing a similar depth and muted quality. This combination of materials gives the Smoothie switch a consistent and distinct sound profile that appeals to users looking for a quieter typing experience compared to the Pine switch.
Although the Bsun Pine and Gateron Smoothie have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. While the Pine switch utilizes a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for a more varied sound experience, the Smoothie switch uses POM for a consistent and pleasing typing sound. Both switches offer a high-quality build with attention to detail in the choice of housing materials, resulting in switches that cater to different preferences in keyboard sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Pine also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Pine provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force to type for longer periods of time comfortably, making the Smoothie a good choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Pine with its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Overall, while both switches offer different force profiles, users can achieve similar results depending on their preference for key feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Pine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feeling. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Pine being slightly shorter and the Smoothie being slightly longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp, direct clicky sound that provides clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile that delivers a deep, rich tone while maintaining a more mellow sound compared to other switches. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on the user's preference and environment.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that provides a responsive and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that allows for effortless and uniform typing. While the Pine switch focuses on a sharp and pronounced tactile bump, the Smoothie switch prioritizes a silky and comfortable typing feel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness.
Overall, the BSUN Pine switch and Gateron Smoothie switch offer distinct typing experiences based on their sound and feel characteristics. The Pine switch excels in sharp tactile feedback and direct clicky sound, while the Smoothie switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and buttery, creamy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with options to choose from based on their individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience based on the unique qualities each switch brings to the table.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value sharp tactile feedback with a quick bottom-out and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and lightweight typing feel with a thocky sound signature and no specific bottom out force, the Smoothie switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize direct tactility and a distinct typing sensation (Pine) or a seamless, fluid typing experience with a rich sound (Smoothie).
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